Sleep Apnea and Chronic Snoring

Chronic snoring can be more than a nightly disturbance, it is often a sign that something deeper may be affecting sleep and overall health. Sleep apnea is a very common disorder, affecting an estimated 30% of Americans, and chronic snoring is one of its most noticeable warning signs. For many adults this combination of loud snoring, poor sleep, and daytime fatigue points to obstructive sleep apnea.

Since the 1980s, CPAP machines have been the most recognized treatment, but many people have trouble adjusting to the mask, hoses, and airflow. Today, patients have another proven option: custom oral appliance therapy delivered by a qualified sleep dentist.

Quick facts:

• Chronic snoring may signal an issue with airflow, sometimes tied to sleep apnea.

• Untreated sleep apnea can raise risks of heart disease, daytime fatigue, and high blood pressure.

• Oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable, dentist‑provided alternative to traditional CPAP machines.

What is chronic snoring?

“Chronic snoring treatment” focuses on addressing repeated vibration or obstruction in the upper airway that causes snoring night after night. While occasional snoring is usually harmless, chronic snoring can disturb partners, disrupt sleep quality, and signal an underlying breathing disorder.

In many cases, what sounds like “just snoring” reflects partial blockage in the throat, especially when the tongue or soft tissues relax too much during sleep. Over time, this constant airway narrowing can progress or coexist with sleep apnea, which carries more serious health risks.|

What is sleep apnea and how is it different from snoring?

Sleep apnea is a sleep‑related breathing disorder that causes repeated pauses or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses briefly lower oxygen levels and force the body to wake up just enough to reopen the airway, often without the person remembering.

Unlike simple snoring, sleep apnea often leads to loud snoring followed by quiet pauses, gasping, or choking sounds, and it commonly causes daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and concentration problems.

Symptoms frequently seen in patients include:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Daytime sleepiness or fatigue

• High blood pressure

• Increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular issues

To learn more about how sleep apnea affects your health, see more at Sleep Apnea

Why is untreated sleep apnea a health risk?

Untreated sleep apnea does more than disrupt sleep. It can impact the whole health of the body. Repeated oxygen drops and sleep interruptions put strain on the cardiovascular system and metabolic balance.

Sleep Apnea may contribute to:

• High blood pressure

• Increased risk of heart disease and stroke

• Type 2 diabetes and weight challenges

• Memory and concentration problems

• Excessive daytime fatigue and mood changes

Addressing chronic snoring and sleep apnea early can help protect both long‑term health and quality of life.

What are my options besides CPAP?

For many years, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) was considered the primary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP uses a mask and hoses connected to a machine that pushes air to keep the airway open all night.

While CPAP can be effective, some patients struggle with discomfort, mask leaks, dryness, or difficulty sleeping with the equipment. In recent years, oral appliance therapy has been widely accepted as an effective, non‑invasive alternative or complement to CPAP, especially for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP consistently.

How does oral appliance therapy for chronic snoring work?

Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a small, custom‑made device that is similar to a comfortable mouth guard during sleep. The appliance gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open, reducing the tissue vibration that causes snoring and minimizing the collapses that lead to apnea events. Because the appliance is tailored to each patient’s bite and jaw position, most people find it easy to adapt to, with a minimal adjustment period compared to traditional CPAP.

Patients with oral appliance therapy report:

• Reduced or eliminated snoring

• Deeper, more restful sleep

• Increased daytime energy

• Happier, better‑rested partners

Who is a good candidate for oral appliance therapy?

Not everyone with sleep apnea needs or wants CPAP as their only option. Oral appliance therapy may be an excellent choice for:

• Patients with primary snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea

• Individuals who have been prescribed CPAP but cannot tolerate the mask or pressure

• Patients who prefer a portable, low‑maintenance option for travel or frequent overnights away from home

• People who benefit from a combination approach, using both CPAP and an oral appliance as advised by their sleep physician

It is recommended that oral appliance therapy be provided by a dentist who is at least board qualified in dental sleep medicine. A collaborative approach where the dentist and sleep physician work together helps ensure that treatment is both safe and effective.

Why choose Dr. Alan Scharf for chronic snoring treatment?

With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Alan Scharf combines advanced dental training with a strong focus on sleep‑related breathing disorders. He has been named by Baltimore Magazine as one of Baltimore’s Best Dentists in 2024 and 2025, reflecting his reputation for excellence in both general dentistry and specialized care.

Dr. Scharf is board certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, which means he has met rigorous standards in the diagnosis and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and an active member of the American Dental Association, Maryland State Dental Association, Harford‑Cecil County Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Scharf has lectured to various dental groups on sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy, sharing his expertise with colleagues and staying at the forefront of evolving best practices. His local, Phoenix, MD office serves patients throughout Baltimore County and surrounding Maryland communities, offering personalized snoring solutions close to home.

Take the first step toward better rest

If you or someone you love struggles with chronic snoring, daytime sleepiness, or CPAP intolerance, you are not alone, and you do not have to live with it. Chronic snoring and sleep apnea are common, highly treatable conditions, and getting evaluated is a smart, proactive step for your health.

A consultation with a qualified sleep dentist like Dr. Scharf can help determine which treatment option is right for you. Call Dr. Scharf today to schedule an appointment and explore personalized snoring solutions. A safer, quieter, more restful night’s sleep could begin with one simple conversation.